A Day in the Life: Fall Happenings

I recently upgraded from a total fossil phone (embarrassing) to the newest iPhone (yay!) and realized just how much fun it is when you (attempt to) capture life's moments on Instagram. Here's a quick roundup of what's been happening this past month...our Portland friends came to visit and we took them sightseeing in NYC, there was time well spent at home with sunsets+Stewie+chai lattes, we celebrated Sesheta's birthday, and I broke out the fall booties quite a few times. What can I say...it's been such a wonderful fall and it's only going to get better. My hubby and I are heading off to the Long Island vineyards this weekend and something tells me there will be plenty of wine, pumpkins, and antique shops in my near future. Stay in the loop and follow us here. xoxo Becca

Spiritual PFM: Time with Me

Photo courtesy of living la vida rita

i am one with all and none

the gratitude i feel exudes thru me

when i am loved by you.

all seems dark and doors seem closed

but u provide the spark of light that guides me thru.

u are always there when i need u,

though not necessarily when i want u,

but always when i call. 

i am thankful for u

for persevering when times get tough

and things are all out of balance.

u always center me 

when life gets hard and challenges abound.

u remind me that this isn't all; 

life is much more.  

u ground me

in love, 

in light, 

in me.

Daily Outfit: Classics for a Special Evening

A couple of weekends ago I celebrated with friends the recent marriage of a bride 'n groom who had the pleasure of getting hitched in Ireland; they topped it off with a lovely wedding reception here in NY. It took place at a beach-side venue on Long Island where we were fortunate enough to be partying with a gorgeous ocean view!

For the wedding, I pulled out my washed silk cocktail dress. It's a classic piece that I rarely wear, but when I do I realize that it's worth hanging on to! I went retro with my sparkly gold maryjanes and tied it together with a vintage purse in a neutral color. To finish off the look I paired this deep blue dress with a multi-strand cabochon necklace that I save for special occasions. Can't forget the blazer to ward off any strong ocean breeze. It's always fun to dress up (and celebrate!) xoxo Becca

(Dress- Development by Erica Davies {about 5 years old, but this is similar} Necklace- Vintage similar, Handbag-Vintage similar, Cocktail Ring- Vintage similar, Shoes- Anthropologie similar, Blazer- Urban Outfitters)

PFMs on the Town: Bday Bash at Seasons 52

what's more fun than having dinner with friends? having dinner with your friends on your birthday at Seasons 52.  as you can see, we had a good time sharing drinks, stories and really good food (though they need to step up their brussel sprout recipe lol).  most of the pics show all of us testing out the panorama camera feature on the iphone.  yes, iphone syndrome is a real sickness!

i had a great time and the best part is we've decided to make sure we do it much more often, instead of reserving the fun for birthdays. woo hoo!! that works for me :)  for now though, the birthday celebration continues!! and TGIF!!! xo Sesheta

PFMs in the Kitchen: Silky Butternut Squash Soup

Can I admit a somewhat shameful secret? Here it is...I've actually never used butternut squash in a recipe before. Chalk it up to sheer laziness (the thought of cutting, peeling, and deseeding didn't thrill me) but with the cool weather here I had to step it up and create one of my favorite soups. Really-how can I call myself the Soup Queen without having a trusty butternut squash recipe under my belt? This is the soup that reminds me "hey, it's fall." Just curious, is anyone bringing this mustard jewel-tone color into their autumn wardrobe yet?

This recipe was inspired by the ultra-talented Andrea Beaman, a Natural Foods Chef and Health Coach. She's a master of simplicity who really knows her stuff, but I always like to tweak a recipe to make it my own. There were a few spices that I wanted to add, and I also decided to pour organic coconut milk into the soup. I swapped out the last cup of water for a cup of vegetable stock and eliminated the pumpkin seeds and parsley (though they make a pretty garnish.) Using a hand-blender was less fussy than the food processor. All in all, I came up with a silky flavorful soup that had my husband going back for seconds. Yum...I will be eating this again for today's lunch. Success. xoxo Becca

You need:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, peeled and chopped

1 butternut squash, peeled and deseeded

2-3 inches ginger, peeled and chopped

5 cups water

1 cup vegetable stock

1 can organic coconut milk

1 teaspoon sea salt

21 Seasoning Salute to taste

How to:

Saute the onion in olive oil for 2-3 minutes. Add squash, ginger, water, vegetable broth, and sea salt. Bring to boil, cover and simmer until the squash is soft (about 15-20 minutes.) Using a hand blender, puree until the chunks are gone. Pour in the coconut milk and blend again until super-smooth (save a bit for garnish if you wish.) Add your seasoning and continue cooking, stirring with a spoon for another 2 minutes. Serve and top with a dollop of coconut milk.

Why I love these ingredients:

There's not too many of them=simple and fresh. Yay! Butternut squash contains an ample dose of fiber, vital for a naturally cleansing and rejuvenating lifestyle. It's also rich with antioxidants that fight free radicals and have anti-inflammatory effects (great for asthma, arthritis and premature aging.)

Spiritual PFM: Little Reminders

it could have been really easy to slip into a bad mood because of the rain on my birthday (especially because that is not what the weather said yesterday, smh).  in fact, i was already on my way to that state when, one of my good friends stopped me in my tracks by saying, "you bring the sunshine, birthday girl!"  i was starting to commit to the funk but her little reminder helped to bring me back to seeing the lighter side, my silver lining.  as i sat and watched the rain subside and then witnessed the sky becoming brighter and lighter, i claimed it; i bring the sunshine!!  in one instant, my mood was lifted.  it really can be that simple - to choose to be one way or another, happy or funky.  i chose happy and i was reminded that i should be coming from a place of gratitude today and always.  ... so here goes:

Give thanks and praise for those little reminders

and for those beautiful beings that remind you.

give thanks for sunshine and rain, rainbows and clouds;

give thanks for all things sparkly, blingy, glittery, shiny; :)

give thanks for my family - blood and adopted;

give thanks for yarn, beads, crystals;

give thanks for color;

give thanks for life, for the blessing of another day of breath 

and the promise of a new year.

ashe!

xo Sesheta

PFMs Healthy Living: Make Time

(image via pinterest, text via me)

Yes you can. Do it. Now. 

Read more books.

Make and eat good food.

Take risks.

Experiment with hairstyles. 

Visit wine country.

Dream big.

Spend a rainy day in bed with your sweetheart.
Inspire yourself.

Meditate.

Be adventurous.

Sometimes we just need a little reminder to make time. What's on your list? xoxo Becca